Azhar Ali

Senior Network & Security Consultant

Bank Saudi Fransi • Fulltime

Jan 2025 - Present • 1 yr 4 mos

Provide the 24/7 support to the Bank Saudi Fransi (BSF) for the operations (mission critical) cross the different technologies, including network, data center, security and collaborations. Collaboration with other teams in the CAB meeting for the approval of the CR and provide the strategy for the required change and infrastructure enhancement like Tech Refresh, Upgrades, and Migrations. Engagements for writing the RFPs, business charter and providing the requirements for the POCs. Hands-on Experience on Cisco Nexus & ACI, VPC, VMM integration, L4-L7 service graph, AAEP, BD, EPGs, Contracts, L3 OUT, L2 OUT, upgrade procedure etc. Proficient in deploying and managing Cisco SD-WAN architecture, including vManage, vSmart, vBond, and edge routers, with expertise in policies, templates, transport VPNs, AAR, and secure segmentation across MPLS, DIA, and LTE networks. Deployed the IPsec tunnels between the branches to the head office. Good experience on the R&S protocols including EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, VLANs, VTP, DHCP, STP, VRRP, HSRP, VXLAN, and VPC. Work closely with senior management, systems operation staff, support staff, and end-users to ensure rapid security issues. Integration with the ISE for the authentication of the network devices. Responsible for managing the Day-to-Day tasks and collaborations with the vendors. Responsible for the Migrations, upgradation, and additional enhancements for the Collaboration, Data Center, Network and Security.

Senior Technical Consultant

Alfanar IT Digital Solutions • Fulltime

Jan 2021 - Jan 2025 • 4 yrs

Worked as a team leader to manage the teams and assigned the day-to-day tasks as per the business needs. Planning, Architecture, Design for Network, Data Center & Collaboration design related to Routing & IP design assignment for all technologies (this includes National IP, Core, Voice on-premises and on-cloud technologies) Handled the new projects including implementations, deployments, and troubleshooting for different domains. Assist in defining and driving strategic initiatives Prepare POC, RFP, HLD, LLD, MOS, NIP, Data Sheets and NRFU, As-Build and technical specifications for the implementations and Operational tasks. Delivered multiple solutions across the kingdom to multiple customers including Network, Security, Data Center and Collaboration. Provide 24/7 support on-site and remotely to make operations work smoother.

Senior Network Engineer

Dar Beta Information Technology • Fulltime

Feb 2020 - Dec 2020 • 10 mos

Responsible for IP/Routing design and VLAN assignment for all technologies integrating with multiple vendors including the network, security, data center and collaboration part. Plan, design and optimize routing & transport technologies for Provider Edge aggregation and Core transport network integration and verified requests, justified needs, and classify all requested networks and services integration. Worked as RE at Data Network Operation Centre, Flynas, provided operational support 24x7 for Network Infrastructures. Network fault detection, rectification, network management, surveillance, and troubleshooting. Opened and Managed TAC support. Worked on complex tasks assigned by leadership, which may involve coordination of effort among Level 1/2/3 analysts. Evaluated current and potential solutions, proposing enhancements to elevate standards of network services while delivering cost savings.